Parking meter with increased winding capacity

ABSTRACT

A coin controlled meter construction for obtaining the purchase of time including means for receiving a coin whereby time purchasing mechanisms can be actuated to indicate the amount of time purchased. A movable winding wheel is provided with engaging means for limiting the degree of movement of the winding wheel. This engaging means is resiliently held in association with the winding wheel and is positioned for engagement with a blocking means near the end of the winding movement. The engaging means is then adapted to yield in response to continued winding movement so that an increased amount of winding can be achieved.

United States Patent 1191 1111 3,913,718 Zajac 1451 Oct. 21, 1975 [541 PARKING WITH INCREASED 3,738,467 6/1973 Zajac l94/DlG. 22

IN N CAPACITY V R12,273 10/1904 McQuown 194/DlG. 18

[75] inventor: Bruno G, Zajac, Harwood Heights, Primary Examiner Drayton Hoffman i 1 Assistant Examiner-H. Grant Skaggs [73] Assignee: Qonaa'r Corporation, Elk Grove Attorney, Agent, Firm MDuga", Hersh & Scott Village, 111. v [22] Filed: Mar. 14, 1974 [57] ABSTRACT 4 A coin controlled meter construction for obtaining the Y [21] Appl 451,106 purchase of time including means for receiving a coin whereby time purchasing mechanisms can be actuated [52] U S CL 194/72; 94 131 2 53 14 to indicate the amount of time purchased. A movable 51 Int. 01. G07F 5/00 Winding wheel is P v with engaging means for 581 Field of Search 74/102, 526; 185/43; limiting the degree of movement of the winding wheel- 5 1 3; 116/D1G 2 194/116. 21, This engaging means is resiliently held in association DIG 2 DIG 18, 72 84 with the winding wheel and is positioned for engagement with a blocking means near the end of the wind- 5 References Cited ing movement. The-engaging means is then adapted to UNITED STATES PATENTS yield in response tocontinued winding movement so that an increased amount of winding can be achieved. 2,603,288 7/1952 Sollenberger 194/72 2,718,954 9/1955 Partin 194/1310. 22 9 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures 36 \7 o T! M E o EX Pl R E D 3 -4 1 1- i L- i I i Q l I 6e 1 "1 '1' 1 l v 68. I C 46- 28 I U.S. Patent Oct; 21, 1975 Sheet1of4 3,913,718

US. Patent Oct. 21, 1975 Sheet 2 of4 3,913,718

US. Patent Ot.21, 1975 Sheet30f4 3,913,718

U.S. Patent Oct. 21, 1975 Sheet4 0f4 3,913,718

FIG 10 PARKING METER WITH INCREASED WINDING CAPACITY This invention is related to coin controlled constructions of the type utilized for the purchase of time. The invention is particularly applicable to parking meters wherein the amount of time purchased will provide a legal period for the use of a parking space by an automobile.

In a typical parking meter construction, an indicator means is employed for movement over a dial face to display the amount of time purchased. The indicator means permits the user to insert one or more coins and to then obtain a visual display of the legal period of time that the parking space is available to him.

In parking meter constructions, a mechanical clock mechanism is often employed. This mechanism is operated by means of a winding ring or the like with the degree of winding determining the amount of time purchased. Thus, the insertion of coins permits the user to achieve a certain amount of time and the clock mechanism then automatically runs down often in a manner such that the indicator will move over the dial face to give a continued display of the amount of time remaining.

Parking meters are desirably physically small structures and the winding mechanisms and clock mechanisms must, therefore, be confined within a relatively small space. This creates certain design difficulties, particularly where a large amount of time is to be made available for purchase with purchases of small increments being available. For example, meters are often designed to provide a maximum of hours of time with the purchase rate being 5 cents per minutes. The winding mechanism, for example a ratchet, must make provisions for 40 purchase increments upon the insertion of nickels while also permitting the purchase of 30 minutes of time for each dime insertion and 1 hour and 15 minutes of time for eachh quarter inserted. In the case of the often used ratchet arrangement, this requires in the order of 40 teeth on a ring, and the teeth must be relatively close together because of the space limitations. This has led to operating and design difficulties since closely spaced teeth require more precise pawl requirements to avoid any malfunction while also requiring greater mechanical strength in the materials used.

It is a general object of this invention to provide an improved parking meter construction which is more reliable in operation and more efficiently manufactured in terms of the mechansims utilized for obtaining the purchase of time.

It is a more specific objectt of this invention to provide a meter construction of the type described which incorporates an increased winding capacity so that the manufacturing efficiency and operating capabilities of the meter are improved.

These and other objects of this invention will appear hereinafter and for purposes of illustration but not of limitation, specific embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a parking meter housing section;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of an intermediate meter section illustrating winding mechanisms incorporated therein;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the structure shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a detail view of a winding wheel utilized in the construction;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the wheel shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a detail view of a segment with stop lug employed in the construction;

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the structure of FIG. 3 in the full wind position;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the segment taken about the line 88 of'FIG. 7; and,

FIG. 9 is a detail view of a winding ring utilized in the construction.

FIG. 10 is a front elevation of a parking meter of the type discussed herein.

This invention generally relates to a coin controlled meter construction, such as a parking meter, designed for obtaining the purchase of time. Such meters are adapted to receive a coin, token or the like, and means are controlled by the receiving means for locating an indicator in position for displaying the time purchased. These means for locating the indicator means include a movable winging wheel and blocking means in the path of the winding wheel for limiting the degree of wind. A stop lug or other engaging means is ordinarily carried by the winding wheel for engagement with the blocking means.

The improvements of this invention generally involve the location of the engaging means on the winding wheel in a manner such that the engaging means is movable with respect to the winding wheel. The engaging means is associated with a spring or other resilient means for normally holding the engaging means in a set position on the winding wheel. As the winding wheel nears the limit of its wind, however, the engaging means moves into contact with the blocking means at which time the winding wheel is adapted to continue movement in opposition to the action of the resilient means. This movement continues until a stop carried by the winding wheel moves into contact with the engaging means to thereby provide an end point for the winding operation.

The continued movement of the winding wheel which is permitted in accordance with the invention enables a more efficient construction of the meter in the sense that teeth on the meter winding ring can be placed farther apart for purposes of achieving a given number of increments of wind. This provides a stronger construction and the construction is more reliable because the more widely spaced teeth can be more accurately engaged by winding pawls. In addition to improving the efficiency of the meter, the concepts of the invention can alternatively be utilized for increasing the number of increments of wind to the extent that a greater interval of time can be displayed on the meter with a larger number of increments of purchase available.

FIG. 1 illustrates the mechanism frame 10 and a meter construction of the general type described in Sollenberger U.S. Pat. No. 2,603,288. The meter thus includes a front wall 12 defining slots 14 which provide for the receipt of coins by the meter. An operating handle 16 is rotatably positioned on the front wall, and a coin carrier 18 (FIG. 2) is located immediately behind the front wall. This coin carrier is secured to a shaft for rotation of the coin carrier upon turning of handle 16. The coin carrier defines slots for receiving coins inserted through slots 14 when the coin carrier is in the position shown in FIG. 2.

In accordance with the description set forth in US.

7 Pat. No. 2,603,288, the timing mechanism of the meter is set when a coin is positioned within the coin carrier 1 18, and the handle 16 is rotated. The time setting operwinding action necessary for setting the clock. A plurality of stationary ratchet teeth 30 are formed in a cir- I, cular pattern around an opening defined by intermediate wall 15, this opening receiving the ring 26 for rotation within the opening. These ratchet teeth are engageable with a separate pawl for preventing return movement of the coin carrier as long as a coin is positioned therein.

The meter construction also includes an indicator dial 32 which displays increments of time. A pointer 34 is adapted to be positioned upon completion of a clock wind operation for purposes of indicating the amount of time purchased. As the clock mechanism winds down, thepointer will gradually move back to the zero position. The meter includes a time expired flag 36 which displays the fact that there is no time left on the meter. A violation flag 38 is adapted to be moved into a display position when the handle 16 is in an intermediate position to eliminate improper use of the meter as explained in the Sollenberger patent.

The winding ring 26 defines openings 40 (FIG. 9) which are aligned with openings 42 formed in a winding wheel 44 (FIGS. 3, 4 and in an assembled meter. By means of rivets or similar fasteners, the movement of the ring 26 and winding wheel 44 is, therefore, tied together.

As is also explained in the Sollenberger patent, the wheel 44 defines a peripheral surface 46 which is adapted to engage a pin 48 secured at the end of the time expired flag 36. When time is wound on the meter, the engagement of this pin with the peripheral surface operates to hold the flag out of display position. As the clock mechanism runs. down, the gap 50 defined by the wheel 44 eventually reaches the pin 48 so that the time expired flag is no longer restrained, and will move to the time expired position.

As described in'the Sollenberger patent, there is a relationship between the winding wheel 44, and the drive and receiving means combined in the carrier 1 8. This relationship is more specifically illustrated herein in FIG. wherein the carrier 18 is illustrated as having coin receiving slots 90. The carrier is normally held in the position shown by means of a spring 92, and the slots 90 are then aligned with the slots 14 defined by the front wall 12 of the meter housing. When coins are inserted, they are received and held by the carrier 18 whereby the carrier is adapted to be moved by means I l The segment also defines a slot 66 which receives a pin 68 carried by the winding wheel. This pin defines an enlarged head 70 and isthreaded into opening 72 defined by the winding wheel. The pin thus serves to confine the segment adjacent the face of the winding wheel while permitting relative movement to the extendt of the length of slot 66. With the segment positioned on the winding wheel as shown in FIG. 3, the stop lug is adapted. to contact a blocking post 74 which is held in a stationary position on the wall 15. As shown in FIG. 3, the back portion of the stop lug defines a notch 76 which receives the post 74 when the clock mechanism is completely wound down. Upon insertion of a coin and upon winding of the wheel, the stop lug is moved away from the post with the spring 58 holding the stop lug in a set position relative to the winding wheel.

The segment defines a wall section 78 which provides a bearing surface for the pin 48 of flag 36 and a wall 80 defined by the winding wheel forms a continuation of the wall section 78. As the winding wheel rotates, the pin 48 is driven outwardly and into engagement with an inclined camming surface 82 which lifts the pin over the edge of wheel 44 for engagement with over the surface 46 thereby moving the flag 36 out of visible position.

As the winding wheel rotates, the segment eventually reaches the pin 48 and a groove 84 defined adjacent the stop lug 54 is aligned with the pin for receipt of the pin in the groove as the segment movement continues.

The end of the groove is partially closed at 86 so that the pin becomes captured stopping further movement of the segment. At this point, however, the movement of wheel 44 can continue in opposition to spring 58 until a full 360 of wind is accomplished.

In a typical structure of the type described, the winding disc 26 will define 40 teeth 24 with the distance be tween teeth being controlled to provide 15 minutes of wind. With the meter time expired, and assuming time is purchased for five cents per 15 minutes, the insertion of a nickel will cause a pawl to catch the last tooth while the insertion of a dime will cause the pawl to catch the second last tooth. This fifth last tooth would be engaged upon the insertion of a quarter. The insertion of coins adding up to 2 dollars will thus lead to the purchase of 10 hours of time.

As shown by a comparison of FIGS. 3 and 7, the pin head 70 moves 360 from the beginning to the end of a complete wind, whereas without the slotted segment, the movement is less than 360. Since the winding wheel is adapted to rotate a greater number of degrees than normally allowed, the teeth 24 can be spaced apart by a distance equal to l/40th the increased number of degrees of wind. This provides a stronger construction since the amount of metal between teeth is increased. Furthermore, the pawl operation can then be less accurate since there is a greater margin for error provided for the greater spacing between teeth. The unique structure of the invention is also available for simply increasing the number of teeth in which case the conventional spacing can at least be retained.

It will be understood that various changes and modifications may be made in the above described construction which provide the characteristics of the invention without departing from the spirit thereof particularly as defined in the following claims.

That which is claimed is:

1. In a coin controlled meter construction for obtaining the purchase of time including means for receiving a coin, a movable winding wheel and drive means carried by the receiving means for operating the winding wheel, the improvement comprising engaging means carried by the winding wheel for limiting the degree of movement of the winding wheel, said engaging means being mounted on said winding wheel for movement therewith, resilient means normally holding said engaging means in position on the winding wheel, blocking means in the path of movement of said engaging means, said resilient means yielding upon engagement of said engaging means with said blocking means whereby said winding wheel is adapted to continue movement relative to said engaging means after said engagement, and including a stop carried by said winding wheel for engagement with said engaging means after said relative movement to thereby control the full degree of movement of the winding wheel.

2. A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said stop comprises apin carried by said winding wheel, said engaging means defining a slot receiving said pin.

3. A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said engaging means includes a stop lug extending beyond the edge of said winding wheel, said blocking means being positioned adjacent said edge.

4. A construction in accordance with claim 3 wherein said winding wheel comprises a substantially circular member mountedfor rotary movement, said engaging means comprising a segment which defines said stop lug being mounted co-axially with said winding wheel, said segment defining a slot, and said winding wheel carrying a pin received within said slot.

5. A construction in accordance with claim 4 wherein said resilient means comprises a spring having one end attahed to said winding wheel and the other end attached to said segment, said segment being restrained by said blocking means in opposition to the force of said spring as said winding wheel completes its full degree of rotary movement.

6. In a coin controlled meter construction for obtaining the purchase of time including means for receiving a coin, a movable winding wheel and drive means carried by the receiving means for operating the winding wheel, the improvement comprising engaging means carried by the winding wheel for limiting the degree of movement of the winding wheel, said engaging means being mounted on said winding wheel for movement therewith, resilient means normally holding said engaging means in position on the winding wheel, and blocking means in the path of movement of said engaging means, said resilient means yielding upon engagement of said engaging means with said blocking means whereby said winding wheel is adapted to continue movement relative to said engaging means after said engagement, said winding wheel rotating more than 360 from the position of zero time purchased to the position of maximum time purchased.

7. A construction in accordance with claim 6 including a winding ring for moving said winding wheel, said ring defining spaced apart teeth engageable by drive pawl means associated with said means for receiving a com.

8. In a coin controlled meter construction for obtaining the purchase of time including means for receiving a coin, a movable winding wheel and drive means carried by the receiving means for operating the winding wheel, the improvement comprising engaging means carried by the winding wheel for limiting the degree of movement of the winding wheel, said engaging means being mounted on said winding wheel for movement therewith, resilient means normally holding said engaging means in position on the winding wheel, blocking means in the path of movement of said engaging means, said engaging means including a stop lug extending beyond the edge of said winding wheel, said blocking means being positioned adjacent said edge, said resilient means yielding upon engagement of said engaging means with said blocking means whereby said winding wheel is adapted to continue movement relative to said engaging means after each engagement, and a flag structure for visually displaying a time expired condition, a stop pin carried by the flag structure, and means moving the stop pin into the path of said stop lug upon movement of said winding wheel, said stop pin serving as said blocking means, said flag structure moving out of display position simultaneously with movement of said stop pin.

9. In a coin controlled meter construction for obtaining the purchase of time including means for receiving a coin, a movable winding wheel and drive means carried by the receiving means for operating the winding wheel, the improvement comprising engaging means carried by the winding wheel for limiting the degree of movement of the winding wheel, said engaging means being mounted on said winding wheel for movement therewith, resilient means normally holding said engaging means in position on the winding wheel, said engaging means being carried with said winding wheel and being held in a stationary position relative to the winding wheel by said resilient means during a substantial portion of the time purchase operation, blocking means in the path of movement of said engaging means, said engaging means including a stop lug extending beyond the edge of said winding wheel, said blocking means being positioned adjacent said edge to engage said stop lug after said substantial portion of the time purchase operation and before completion of said operation, said resilient means yielding upon engagement of said engaging means with said blocking means whereby said winding wheel is adapted to continue movement relative to said engaging means after said engagement to achieve completion of the time purchase operation. 

1. In a coin controlled meter construction for obtaining the purchase of time including means for receiving a coin, a movable winding wheel and drive means carried by the receiving means for operating the winding wheel, the improvement comprising engaging means carried by the winding wheel for limiting the degree of movement of the winding wheel, said engaging means being mounted on said winding wheel for movement therewith, resilietn means normally holding said engaging means in position on the winding wheel, blocking means in the path of movement of said engaging means, said resilient means yielding upon engagement of said engaging means with said blocking means whereby said winding wheel is adapted to continue movement relative to said engaging means after said engagement, and including a stop carried by said winding wheel for engagement with said engaging means after said relative movement to thereby control the full degree of movement of the winding wheel.
 2. A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said stop comprises a pin carried by said winding wheel, said engaging means defining a slot receiving said pin.
 3. A construction in accordance with claim 1 wherein said engaging means includes a stop lug extending beyond the edge of said windiNg wheel, said blocking means being positioned adjacent said edge.
 4. A construction in accordance with claim 3 wherein said winding wheel comprises a substantially circular member mounted for rotary movement, said engaging means comprising a segment which defines said stop lug being mounted co-axially with said winding wheel, said segment defining a slot, and said winding wheel carrying a pin received within said slot.
 5. A construction in accordance with claim 4 wherein said resilient means comprises a spring having one end attahed to said winding wheel and the other end attached to said segment, said segment being restrained by said blocling means in opposition to the force of said spring as said winding wheel completes its full degree of rotary movement.
 6. In a coin controlled meter construction for obtaining the purchase of time including means for receiving a coin, a movable winding wheel and drive means carried by the receiving means for operating the winding wheel, the improvement comprising engaging means carried by the winding wheel for limiting the degree of movement of the winding wheel, said engaging means being mounted on said winding wheel for movement therewith, resilient means normally holding said engaging means in position on the winding wheel, and blocking means in the path of movement of said engaging means, said resilient means yielding upon engagement of said engaging means with said blocking means whereby said winding wheel is adapted to continue movement relative to said engaging means after said engagement, said winding wheel rotating more than 360* from the position of zero time purchased to the position of maximum time purchased.
 7. A construction in accordance with claim 6 including a winding ring for moving said winding wheel, said ring defining spaced apart teeth engageable by drive pawl means associated with said means for receiving a coin.
 8. In a coin controlled meter construction for obtaining the purchase of time including means for receiving a coin, a movable winding wheel and drive means carried by the receiving means for operating the winding wheel, the improvement comprising engaging means carried by the winding wheel for limiting the degree of movement of the winding wheel, said engaging means being mounted on said winding wheel for movement therewith, resilient means normally holding said engaging means in position on the winding wheel, blocking means in the path of movement of said engaging means, said engaging means including a stop lug extending beyond the edge of said winding wheel, said blocking means being positioned adjacent said edge, said resilient means yielding upon engagement of said engaging means with said blocking means whereby said winding wheel is adapted to continue movement relative to said engaging means after each engagement, and a flag structure for visually displaying a time expired condition, a stop pin carried by the flag structure, and means moving the stop pon into the path of said stop lug upon movement of said winding wheel, said stop pin serving as said blocking means, said flag structure moving out of display position simultaneously with movement of said stop pin.
 9. In a coin controlled meter construction for obtaining the purchase of time including means for receiving a coin, a movable winding wheel and drive means carried by the receiving means for operating the winding wheel, the improvement comprising engaging means carried by the winding wheel for limiting the degree of movement of the winding wheel, said engaging means being mounted on said winding wheel for movement therewith, resilient means normally holding said engaging means in position on the winding wheel, said engaging means being carried with said winding wheel and being held in a stationary position relative to the winding wheel by said resilient means during a substantial portion of the time purchase operation, blocking means in the path of movement of said engaging means, said engaginG means including a stop lug extending beyond the edge of said winding wheel, said blocking means being positioned adjacent said edge to engage said stop lug after said substantial portion of the time purchase operation and before completion of said operation, said resilient means yielding upon engagement of said engaging means with said blocking means whereby said winding wheel is adapted to continue movement relative to said engaging means after said engagement to achieve completion of the time purchase operation. 